It’s a most wonderful time of the year to garden, if you can
find the time. The weather is cooler and the humidity is low. Since December is a dry month, watering your plants regularly is a must. This is especially true if a blast of Canadian polar
air reaches this far south. Your plants are less susceptible to the cold and to frost damage when the ground is wet.

Some varieties of mums may still be blooming. After they
finish, cut them back to 6-inch stems. They’ll begin to grow again in the spring for another great show next fall..

December is the last chance to plant daffodils in our
area. Be sure to select a variety that is appropriate for North Florida. The Florida Daffodil Society has tested many varieties that perennialize well in North Florida. See their
website for suggestions. With proper selections, you may enjoy blooms from November through
April.

The herbs and vegetable garden you started a couple of months
ago should be providing yummy additions to your table. Be aware that some garden pests (caterpillars, cutworms, leafhoppers, aphids, thrips) are still around. Take action to control them so
they don’t harvest your produce before you do.

O Divideand replantamaryllis that are
overcrowded. Add organic matter to new planting areas and monitor their water needs during establishment.

O Enjoy
Poinsettias: This popular holiday plant will continue to
bloom for weeks (or even a couple of months) when given proper care. Be sure not to overwater the plant. If you are preparing a plant for holiday blooming, discontinue its ‘short day long
night’ treatment by the beginning of December. Continue to give it at least six hours of bright light daily.

O Examine plants for
pests: While cooler weather generally means fewer pests,
some populations actually increase at this time of year. Continue monitoring and treat as needed.

O Monitor for fungal
disease,brown patch: Limiting the application of nitrogen and watering at the proper time of day are good
preventive measures.

O Mulch your
plants: Moving mulch away from young plants prevents the
upward radiation of warmth from the soil to the plants. This will make your plants freeze faster during a cold snap. So keep them well mulched.

O Plant bulbsfor spring blooms. If you choose crocus or hyacinths, they need six to eight weeks of chill (such as in your refrigerator) before
planting them.

O Prevent frost
damage: When a hard freeze is forecast, take action to
protect your tender plants. Water them well before the time the freeze is expected. Cover your plants with sheets or better yet, blankets or frost cloth. A battery operated lantern
or an electric light can also raise the temperature under the cover. Be sure to remove the covers when the temperature rises again. Another option is to run your sprinkler system during a
hard freeze until the mercury rises again. This will cause ice to form on the plants, which helps prevent severe damage as the ice acts like insulation. The plant's temperature will not
drop below 32°F. Return-stack heaters can be used to prevent frost damage by raising the temperature of the surrounding air (this is the most often used protection by citrus groves during
freezes).

O Selectsome Houseplants: Winter shifts the focus from outdoor to indoor plants. Houseplants are good for you and can improve your indoor
environment. When selecting plants, consider the plants’ light, temperature, and humidity requirements to ensuring that they will thrive. Some suggestions areAfrican Violets, Aloe Vera, Cactus, Christmas Cactus, Peace Lily, Dieffenbachia, Philodendrons, and Spider
Plant.

O Test your
Soil: If your plants did not perform as expected this year
or you’re planning new beds, a soil test is a good idea. The results can guide your plant selection and soil treatment. Contact your county extension service for a test
kit.

Let’s Plant

Suggestions for varieties that do well in north Florida are listed
below. Flowering plants will add color through the fall and some into winter.